Montrose, CO— The Montrose Board of County Commissioners knows that our local schools are facing significant challenges in regard to facilities and capital improvements, as well as enrollment challenges. As a result, when this year’s Secure Rural Schools funding was allocated to the county, the choice was clear—100 percent of the funds would be dedicated to help improve local educational opportunities.
“Historically the county has provided 100% of SRS funds to schools and we are proud to continue this tradition," said Commissioner Roger Rash. "Having a strong school system is important to our residents and we are proud to help support that effort through the discretionary portion of this funding.”
Montrose County School District RE-1J Superintendent Dr. Carrie Stephenson indicated that the funds will be used for outdoor learning resources and opportunities for children. “We are very excited to be able to use forest service funds to expand pathways for students to be learning outdoors and better appreciating our unique western slope environment,” said Dr. Stephenson.
The funds will be distributed to Montrose County School District RE-1J ($239,241.00), West End School District RE-2 ($10,164.51), Delta County School District ($7,009.11), and Norwood School District R-2J ($2,224.29). The calculation for disbursement of the funds is based on a per pupil count of the school districts serving students within Montrose County.
The funding is derived from the Secure Rural Schools Act (SRS Act), a bill that provides funding to rural counties and schools located near national forests across the United States. Counties historically have the option of earmarking a portion of the funds to both local schools and county road and bridge operations; however, the Montrose Board of County Commissioners recognized the challenges facing local schools and dedicated the entire allotment to improving our local education infrastructure. These funds have been 100% dedicated to schools for the past several years. For more information on Montrose County, please visit montrosecounty.net.